According to the included factory letter (signed by the President and CEO of Colt Manufacturing) this pistol was one of the original run of Colt "Rail Gun" Government Model pistols produced to United States Marine Corps specifications as the M45A1 Close Quarters Battle Pistol. Intended as a replacement for the Corps' aging stock of 1911/1911A1 pistols, the M45A1 was destined expressly for units like Force Recon, Marine Special Operations Command (home of the Marine Raiders), and Special Operations Capable Marine Expeditionary Units. A select number of the pistols were returned to Colt for commercial sale, with the caveat that the "USMC" marking be struck out. An extra document (unsigned, no header or address) attributes the pistols as "used in combat by USMC Special Operations units", and having "seen the theater of Iraq or Afghanistan". A set of 3-dot Trijicon night sights are installed on the "COLT***USMC" marked slide, with "VP" and "L" on the left side of the trigger guard and the U.S. nomenclature on the right, including the military-specific "M1070CQBP" model number. "15" has been marked by hand on the right rear of the slide. A 4-groove Picatinny rail is integrated into the dust cover, with a long solid trigger, skeleton hammer, beavertail safety with 'speed bump', ambidextrous thumb safety, serrated flat mainspring housing , "desert camo" G10 composite grips, Wilson Combat magazine, and a Colt National Match barrel.

Very fine, with 80% plus original cerakote finish, showing a number of scuffs and scratches overall, as well as bright wear on the high edges. The grips are excellent, with a few dings. Mechanically excellent.